A spokesman for the Met Office said: “The very warm, locally hot conditions are set to continue through this period, but especially over the weekend.

“The highest temperatures are likely to occur on Sunday in parts of southern, central and western England.”

As a result the Met Office has issued the heatwave warning, which will be in place from 3pm on Thursday, July 5 until 9am on Monday, July 9.

This warning is just one step away from a ‘national emergency’, which comes in the form of a level four red heatwave warning. This means there are likely health implications.

What is a national emergency?

This level four red health warning is declared when a heatwave is considered so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system.

The Met Office claims that at this level, illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups.

If the warning were issued, it would say the following: “Stay out of the sun. Keep your home as cool as possible – shading windows and shutting them during the day may help. Open them when it is cooler at night.

“Keep drinking fluids. If there's anybody you know, for example an older person living on their own, who might be at special risk, make sure they know what to do.”

Why is the Met Office asking this?

The level three warning means that it is very likely there will be several days of very hot weather.

As a result, social and healthcare services are asked to put special measures in place to help those affected by the heat.

But there is also advice for those of us who don’t need medical attention.

Scorching weather is expected across the county this weekend (Image: Met Office)

A spokesman for the Met Office said: “Stay out of the sun. Keep your home as cool as possible – shading windows and shutting them during the day may help. Open them when it is cooler at night. Keep drinking fluids.

“If there's anybody you know, for example an older person living on their own, who might be at special risk, make sure they know what to do.”

Why can hot weather be dangerous?

When temperatures climb to the sorts of levels seen in many parts of the country some people can struggle to cope. The over 65s, young children and those with heart and lung conditions can all find normal activities a strain when temperatures get this high.

But even for those who are fit and healthy, a red level four heatwave warning can signal difficulties for them too.

Mike Wade, deputy director of health protection for PHE South West has issued some advice on why the hot weather can be a health risk for people.

He said: "We know that at this time of year, many people will come to the South West to enjoy the coast, the scenery and outdoor activities that are offered, and enjoy the good weather.

"But we know that when weather like this hits, for some people, temperatures like these, over more than a day or two, can be really uncomfortable and pose a significant risk to health.

"This is because their bodies may struggle to adapt to working harder, as all our bodies do when the weather gets this hot, and they can become ill.

"It’s vitally important that we keep an eye on friends, family and neighbours who may be at risk.

What is the weather forecast for the weekend?

Today (July 6) will bring another dry day with prolonged sunshine. It will feel very warm, despite a light wind.

The weather tomorrow (July 7) will again be hot.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: “Remaining dry with lengthy clear spells and light winds throughout the night. Feeling fairly muggy, especially in large towns and cities.

Heatwave 2018

You can read more about the heatwave in Bath and Somerset in these stories:

“On Saturday it will again be another dry day with plenty of sunshine. Once again with light winds there will be a hot feel as temperatures climb a little higher than Friday.

“The maximum temperature will be 30C.”

Sunday will continue to be warm. The spokesman said: “Largely dry and fine with plenty of sunshine and light winds. From Monday onwards it is likely to gradually feel a little less hot.”

The Weather Channel is also predicting hot weather this weekend (Image: The Weather Channel / Twitter)

Are you affected? Let us know. Get in touch using james.wood@reachplc.com, call 07870 505 906 or tweet me @JamesWood24

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